Abstract

Background

Constipation during pregnancy is a common problem. Nowadays only few effective interventions
are published preventing or treating constipation during pregnancy. However, their
use is limited due to side-effects. This uncontrolled intervention study was performed
to determine if a mixture of probiotics in the treatment of constipation during pregnancy
is effective.

Results

20 women were included. Defecation frequency significantly increased from 3.1 at baseline
to 6.7 in week four (p < 0.01). Compared to baseline, a significant decrease in 1)
sensation of anorectal obstruction from 90.0% to 45.0% (p < 0.01), 2) sensation of
incomplete evacuation from 90.0% to 40.0% (p < 0.01), 3) straining during defecation
from 100% to 65% (p = 0.01), 4) episodes of abdominal pain from 60% to 20% (p = 0.01)
and 5) the presence of reflux episodes from 60% to 20% in week four (p = 0.01) was
found. Other secondary outcomes did not decrease significantly. No side effects were
reported.

Conclusions

Ecologic®Relief is effective in the treatment of constipation during pregnancy. A
randomised placebo controlled trial is required to confirm these data.